Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3976, Abraham Forney, N C

SERVICE
NUMBER
NC
Forney, Abraham Martha or Rachel
W. 3976 B.L.Mt. 28307-160.55
CONTENTS
Pension of widow was allowed under name of Martha. Bounty land of widow " " " " Rachel The correct name of widow is Rachel. The widow's pension claim was fraudulently obtained by her agent, John Coach.

North Carolina 16.000
Abraham Forney
Lincoln in the State of North Carolina who was a Pr: Sergt. Chap in the _____ commanded Captain _____ of the Regt. commanded Col. Gahan in the North Car: for 22 mos & 12 days
scribed on the Roll of North Carolina rate of $14 50 Dollars 60 Cents per annu commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 d day of June '33 and sent D. Reinhardt Lincoln N. E.
years to the 4th of March '33 - 291.20 amt. allowance ending 4 Sept " 72.80 $364.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Entered by Wm. Miller Clerk, E. Vol. 6. Page 40

W.P. Bynum May 31/52 to W.P. Bynum 17th Feb 1854 Seven 1/2 Ac All that " " " December 1854 Duplicate in such and sent to W.P. Bynum Custodian Let to A. Lusk 29th Mar '55 " " 3 Cents " " "
S. 1/2 North Carolina William Forney widow of William NC Forney who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Rev. 1813 Captain 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 16 2/3 Dollars 66 cents per annum, to commence the 1st day of March, 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of August 1818 and sent to
John Roach (Cotton Grove Davidson Co., N.C.)
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1818, Page 269 Vol. 1

136156
Set mar 3 May 16 55
Rachel Forney via Abraham Forney Priv. Supt & Capt
Engr L. S.
No 2
Rev war
Rev pension NC July 48-5747
W. B. Adams, ms. 76/56
ROH
He
P. Bynum atau & a spin
Set W. B. Bynum, Apr. 5 1856.
July 10 3. Hon. W. B.
Kitchin, warrant issued upon reply from Com.
S. O. will be further advised
Com S. O. when warrant located.
Vol. F. 101. 2

Lincoln town Mich May 16 th
Will
Rec d May 25. 1833
W. P. West Hon. Lewis Cass Secretary of War. War Department City of Washington

Lincoln town Mich May 16 th
Rec d May 25. 1833 W. D. [unclear] Act Secy
Hon. Lewis Cass Secretary of War War Department City of Washington

State of North Carolina Lincoln County
October Session 1832
On this 31 st day of October personally appeared in Open Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the County of Lincoln now sitting Abraham Forney a resident of the County of Lincoln and State of North Carolina aged now about seventy four years, who being first sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. That he was born sometime in October 1758 about four or five Miles but has no record of his age - West of the Catawba river, and that he resided in the same section of County at the commencement and during the continuance of the revolutionary war and still continues to do so. That he entered the service about the 25 th day of June 1776 as one of the drafted Militia of the State of North Carolina and served as a private in Capt. James Johnston's Comp y Col. Wm. Graham's Regt. that  which was ordered to reinforce the troops at Fort M c Faden near where Rutherford Court House now stands, that he remained there until about the 1 st day of August, when he with others was ordered home to prepare for the expedition against the Cherokee nation of Indians. The militia of this State was commanded by General Rutherford and the troops that he he loyal joined him at the Pleasant Gardens. From thence we marched into the nation and that he went with a detachment under the Command of Col. Wm. Sharpe as far as the High Wapse, when meeting with a detachment from Col. Williamson's Army from South Carolina who claimed the prisoners & other property we had taken as falling in that district of Country as belonging to them, we
1. Law of 1832.

delivered them up and again joined the main Army under Genl. Rutherford - Having effected all that could be done, we commenced our march home and we were dismissed and that he returned home the 13. day of Oct 1776. that he got no discharge -
That he then volunteered he thinks in Feby 1777 for the purpose of quelling some Tories who had or were about to embody them- selves about the South Carolina line - That he served as a private in Capt. James Reids Comp y and the detachment was commanded by Col. Charles McLean. The Tories were commanded by a certain John Moore, whom we pursued into South Carolina, until we found that Genl. Pickens had also commenced a pursuit of them and was too far ahead for us to come up with, when we returned into N.C. and after taking several prisoners, that he was one of the detachment ordered to take them on to Salisbury and having delivered them up that he was dismissed and returned home as well as he now can recollect some time in April 1777.
2 nd term of duty - After this time, that he was frequently out as a volunteer in short expeditions for the purpose of overawing and keeping down the Tories, who were numerous in this section of the Country, and has a distinct recollection of having been more than once as far as the South Carolina line, but can- not now recollect any precise length of time or any date although the Whigs were obliged to be almost constantly in service in order to intimidate the rising spirit of the Tories -
That same time in June 1780, there was a call upon the militia, he volunteered and served as a private in Capt. John Baldridge's Comp y and a part embodied at the time first mentioned at Ramfours Mills, from there we marched to Espeys, where

4. term cont. suspected the British might attempt to cross. Having posted guard at this point and being relieved he went some short distance to a house to obtain refreshments of which he was much in need and was not present when the guard was repulsed and Genl. Davidson killed. With the other troops he fled to the widow Torrenas, where a considerable number of Militia had collected. These being defeated and dispersed, that he then fled and joined Genl. Greene's Army in Guilford County. That from thence he was advised to return home and did so, receiving a ticket to obtain provisions on his return.
5. term of duty That on the 25 th of March 1781. we again embodied and he was attached to the Company of Cap t Samuel Coffey and acted as sergeant. We joined a detachment of Militia under the command of Genl. Th. Polk and marched into S.C. and came up with Genl. Greene's Army at Ridgely's Mills, after the Battle of Camden, and placed under the command of Col. Dudley who he thinks was a continental Officer, we continued under the command of Dudley until Green commenced his march to Ninety Six, when we were left under the command of a Col. Marshall. Cap t Coffey being obliged to leave the service in consequence of a wound he rec d at Kings Mountain, went home with a part of his Comp y . When he was then attached to the Comp y of Cap t Jack still acting as a sergeant to that Comp y , that he was afterwards marched to Charlotte when he was dismissed by Cap t Jack about the 11 th day of July 1781.
That he then volunteered to go to Wilmington under the command of Cap t John Weir and that he is very certain they crossed the Catawba River at the Tuckasegee Ford on the

we joined more troops and lay there about three weeks collecting men. at this place Col. Graham & Lt. Col. Hambright took the command of us. From thence we marched to Lincoln old Court House, to old Mose, Morris the father of Col. John Morris the Tories and marched and countermarched through all that section of Country, Hearing that Ferguson was coming on in considerable force, it was concluded to retreat across the Catawba river at the Tuckasegee Ford and arriving at that point we then met with some South Carolina troops retreating before Coonwallis, whom they informed us was then in Charlotte, we united with these forces under the command of a Col. Williams and marched up the west side of the Catawba river and then towards South Carolina in the rear of Ferguson and fell in with the over-mountain troops under the command of Campbell, Cleveland, Shelby & Frazier at the Cowpens , from thence we united in the pursuit of Ferguson and came up with him at King's Mountain on the 7. day of October 1780. After this battle that he was dismissed and he returned home.
3. principal tour of duty -
That then in the later part of the year 1780 or the beginning of the year 1781. Hearing that Genl. Morgan was going upon an expedition into South Carolina, that he volunteered under Capt. James Little with the intention of joining Morgan, but did not come up with him until after the Battle of the Cowpens, when we returned home and remained there until the 27. day of Jan y 1781. when all the Whigs in this section of the Country being obliged to fly before Cornwallis, that he crossed the Catawba River and joined a detachment of troops under the command of a Capt. Henderson, placed as a Guard, by Genl. Davidson, to a bye ford, when it was
4. tour

1 st day of Nov. 1781. and in camped three or four miles beyond the River on the road towards Charlotte, the next day they marched through Charlotte encamped near a Col. Alexander's who it was understood was to take the Command of the detachment, we here heard of the return of Genl. Rutherford and that he was sent to Rutherford for orders, receiving these, he returned to the Camp and we were then ordered to cross the Catawba River and a Cap t Loftin took command of us in place of Wier who returned home, we then marched through the County and formed several stations, taking up all suspected persons, and finally under the command of Cap t . Th. McBee, Loftin resigning the Command, we were marched to Salisbury and there delivering up the prisoners on the 31 st day of December 1781. we commenced our march home on the next day and were dismissed.
6 th tour of duty
That then in the year 1782. There was a call upon the Militia to go against the Cherokee Indians - We rendezvoused at Ramfours Mills 1 st June 1782. That in this expedition he substituted in place of his brother Peter Forney who had substituted for Cap t Nicholas Friday and being accepted took command of the Company - We remained at Ramfours until about the 1 st of August when we commenced our march & we joined the troops of Wilks & Burke near the head of the Catawba River. my Comp y was attached to Col. Jo. McDowell's Reg t . From this we marched across the Blue ridge and meet with the Rutherford troops on the Swannanoa river under the Command of Col. Miller - Genl. Charles McDowell taking the Command of the expedition - After the junction of the Rutherford troops we took up our line
7 th tour of duty

of March into the Nation nearly in the frail top  bottom of Rutherglen in the year 1776. and marched some further than when the main Army halted in that year - meeting with no Indian force of any strength, we destroyed their towns cut down their corn fields and with the prisoners we commenced our march home and were dismissed sometime in Oct 1782. and he states that he finds a memorandum in a Bible stating that he returned home on the 27 th Oct. 1782.
Omit [ He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, & he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any state.
Given to of subscribed the day of year aforesaid Testimony M c Be Clerk Sp. Select Court
Abraham Forney
+ Add - Died July 27. 1849
Before me S rs 1833 personally appeared in Open Court Abraham Forney who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age and loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of some of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below - and in the following grades:
 1. From the 25. June 1776. to 13 th Oct 1776. 3 mo. 18 days a private  2. From the - Feby 1777 to - April 1777 say 2 mo - - - a private  3. From the I think 1 st June 1780 to 10 th Oct 1780 say 4 mo. 10 days a private  4. From the 1 st Jan y . 1781 to - March 1781. say 3 mo - - - a private  5. From the 25 th March 1781. to 11 th July 1781. - 3 mo. 17 days a sergeant  6. From the 1 st November 1781. to 31 st Dec r . 1781. say 2 mo - - - private  7. From the 1 st June 1782 to 27. Oct 1782 say 3 mo 27 days a Captain -  and for such service I claim a pension - 22. 12
Further declarant further states that there is no resident clergyman in his immediate neighborhood, but in place thereof

refers to General Joseph Graham, Isaac Lowm, and Alexander Lowm who are his near neighbors as to his general character and as to the general belief of his revolutionary services.
Sworn to in open Court Witness Vandy M c Bee Clerk
Abraham Forney
Isaac Lowm and Alexander Lowm , came into open Court and make their oath that we are well acquainted with Abraham Forney residing in the County of Shelby who has sworn to the above declaration and that we believe him to be seventy four years of age and that he is upright and believed by the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in the opinion — and that his declaration on oath is entitled to full credit & belief.
Sworn to in open Court Witness Vandy M c Bee Clerk
Isaac Lowm Alexander Lowm
John Harman came into open Court and makes oath that he recollects of having seen Abraham Forney in the service during the revolutionary war and thinks it was in the Army before the Battle of Kings Mountain.
Sworn to in open Court Witness Vandy M c Bee Clerk
John Harman
I Vandy M c Bee Clerk of the County Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original & amended proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abraham Forney for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office this 14 th day of May 1833
Vandy M c Bee Clerk

State of North Carolina Lincoln County
On this 4 th day of September 1850, personally appeared before me Jacob Weldonman one of the acting Magistrates in and for the County and State aforesaid Martha Forney aged (83.) years, widow of Abraham Forney dec d , who was a Private, Sergeant and Captain in the Revolutionary War, Who after being duly sworn in common form of law doth on her oath make the following Declaration , in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the acts of Congress passed on the 3 d of March 1813, the 17 th of June 1814, the second of February 1818, & the joint Resolution of the First of July 1818, Granting Pensions to Widows of Soldiers & Officers who served during the Revolution. That she is the Widow of Abraham Forney, late Revolutionary Pensioner dec d of the County of Lincoln North Carolina, who was a Private, Sergeant & Captain in the army of the Revolution, and as such he served the United States against the common enemy and was pensioned Under the Act of the 7 th of June 1832 at the rate of $1145-60 cts per annum.
She further declares, that she was married to the said Abraham Forney on the 29 th day of February 1788. That her hus- band, the aforesaid Abraham Forney dec d in the County of Lincoln State of North Carolina, on the 23 rd day of July 1849. And that she has remained a widow ever since his death, Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me. That she was married to Abraham Forney in Lincoln County N.C. Jacob Weldonman Justice , Martha Forney P. T. Welch Jyp
And I the said Magistrate do hereby Certify, that I am personally acquainted with the above Martha Forney, who has this day sworn to and subscribed the forgoing Declaration before me, and that she is the Identical person that she has represented her self to be in the forgoing Declaration, that she is still a widow, and has not intermarried since the death of her husband Abraham Forney dec d , I do further Certify, that the said deponent is a per- son to whose statements is due full faith and credit. I do also certify, that the said deponent is unable to appear in and before the Court to make her said Declaration there, an

Account of old age and bodily infirmity,
Given Under my hand the day and year first above written.
Jacob Helderman Pease
North Carolina,
I, Robert Williamson, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Lincoln in said State, do hereby certify, that Jacob Helderman, Esquire, is a Magistrate as above, and that the signature above purporting to be his, is genuine.
Certified under my hand and the seal of said Court, at office, this 19 th day of September, 1850.
Robt. Williamson, Clerk.

Know all men by these presents that I Rachel Horney widow of Abraham Forney, deceased, late of Lincoln County North Carolina, a Sol- dier of the revolution, do hereby constitute & appoint William P. Bynum of Lincoln Co & State aforesaid, my lawful agent & atto- rney, for me & in my name & stead, to prose- cute, secure & collect, any & all pension claims, arrearages of pensions & pension dues, allowed or which may be allowed me by the Government of the United States, for the revolutionary & other services of my deceased husband, Abraham Forney, under the various Acts of Congress for giving & continuing pensions to the widows of deceased officers & soldiers of the Revolution; And I do hereby revoke & make void all powers of attorney hereto- fore executed by me to all persons whatsoever, for the purposes above mentioned & especially to John Roach of Davidson County North Carolina.
Witness my hand & seal this 15 day of Nov r 1854.
Sealed & delivered in presence of
with J. Helder man - J. P.
with R. Helder man
Rachel her Horney mark
State of North Carolina Lincoln County } ss
Be it known that on the 15 day of November 1854, before the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in & for said County, personally appeared Rachel Horney above named & acknowledged the fore- going power of Attorney to be her act & deed. In tes- timony whereof I have hereunto set my hand

+ seal the day & year above mentioned.
J. Felderman F.P.
I, J. A. Huffs clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for Lincoln County, certify that J. Felderman is a duly qualified & acting Justice of the Peace for the County of Lincoln, & that the foregoing signatures, purporting to be his, are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office & subscribed my name, this 16 th day of November 1854.
J. A. Huffs clerk of Lincoln County Court

136156
Rachel Forney.
Declaration for
Land Warrant.

State of North Carolina Lincoln County } ss.
On this 3 rd day of May March 1855. personally appeared before me a justice of the Peace within & for the County & State aforesaid, Rachel Forney, aged 87 years, a resident of Lincoln County & State of North Carolina, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Abraham Forney, a private, Sergeant & Captain in the Revolutionary war, who drew a pension of $45 66 / 100 per annum, for further particulars, of whose service she refers to the pension list in the Department of the Interior.
She further states that she was married to the said A. Forney, in said County on the day of 1803 & that her name be- fore her marriage was Rachel Gabriel & that her said husband died in Lincoln County & State aforesaid, on the 22 nd July 1849 & that she is now a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the Act passed March 3 rd 1855.
She also declares that she has never received nor applied for Bounty Land under this or any other act of Congress except as above stated. I do hereby ap- point W.P. Bynum of Lincoln County & North Carolina is duly authorized to prosecute this my claim, and to receive any warrant which may be issued hereon. Witness my hand & seal this 3 rd day of March 1855.
W.P. Bynum
Rachel for Forney mother

Personally came Aaron Shilow and Abraham Gabriel residents of the County of Lincoln & State aforesaid, who upon oath declare, that they are personally well acquainted with Mrs Rachel Forney & saw her sign the foregoing declaration, that they know her to be the identical person therein represented, & that she is now a widow, & that we have no interest in this claim.
W. W. Monday J.P.
Aaron Shilow Abraham Gabriel
The foregoing declaration & affidavit were sworn to & subscribed before me this 3 rd day of May 1855; and I certify that I believe the claimant to be the identical person she represents herself to be, that I know the witnesses are credible persons & that I have no interest in this claim.
W. W. Monday J.P.
State of North Carolina } ss. Lincoln County }
I John A. Hays hereby certify that W. W. MON- day esq, before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit were made, is & was at the time of taking the same, an acting Justice of the Peace within & for the County & State aforesaid, duly commissioned & qualified & that his signature above is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed my seal of office this 9 th day of May 1855.
J. A. Hays

Marriage license
M d July 29, 1788. in Lincoln Co. He died July 22, 1849. " " "

Copy
We acknowledge ourselves indebted to Samuel Johnson Governor of the State of North Carolina and His successors in office, in the sum of five hundred Pounds. Noted on condition there is no just cause to obstruct the marriage of Abraham Forney & Martha Gabriel: otherwise to remain in full force and virtue. Witness Our hands and seals this 27 th day of February 1788
Test J. P. Wheeler
Abraham Forney Esq Henry Kirtland Esq
North Carolina
I, Robert Williamson, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Lincoln, in said State, do hereby certify that the above is a full, true and perfect copy of the marriage bond of A. Forney, which is on file and of records in my office.
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court, at office, this 19 th day of September, 1850.
Robt. Williamson, Clerk.

18565
Abraham Torney
NC
Admiral
  as private  14 mo  22  46.66       3.11    Sergt -  3 -  17  17.83    Capt.  3 -  27  78.00     22.   $145.60  
5. 11. 12. 14. 16
Intg. 6. 7.
P. 328
D. Reinhard Lincoln NC

BRIEF in the case of Abraham Forney County of Lincoln in the State of North Carolina (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? About 74  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     dropped In 1776 about 3 18 Private Gen. Capt Johnston, Col Graham   Vol 1777 about 2 Col Sharp   1780 " 4 " Capt Reid, Col Wilson   " Capt Baldridge, Col Graham   St Col Hambright, Col Williams   Col Campbell, Shelby, Saxe & Cleveland  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Kings Mountain  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? North Carolina  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? not properly attached, no clergyman 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Edw. Forney
Examining Clerk.

June 15, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Abraham Forney, W. 3976 BA-J/MCS C
Honorable Ralph F. Lozier House of Representatives Washington D.C.
My dear Mr. Lozier:
Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War record of Abraham Forney of Lincoln County, North Carolina.
The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, W. 3976, based upon the military service of Abraham Forney.
He was born in October, 1758, about four or five miles west of the Catawba River. The names of his parents were not given.
See Heilman He served with the North Carolina troops as follows: from June 25, 1776, until October 13, 1776, as private in Captain James Johnston's company in Colonel William Graham's regiment; from February, 1777, until April, 1777, as private in Captain James Reid's company in Colonel Charles McLean's regiment; from sometime in June, 1780, until October 10, 1780, as private in Captain John Baldridge's company in Colonel Graham's regiment and was in the battle of King's Mountain; from late in 1780 or early in 1781 until March, 1781, as private in Captain James Little's company; from March 25, 1781, until July 11, 1781, as sergeant in Captains Samuel Espy's and Jack's companies under Colonels Dudley and Marshall; from the first of November, 1781, until December 31, 1781, as private under Captains John Wier, Loftin and Th. McGee; from the first of June, 1782, until October 27, 1782, as captain of a company of mounted rangers (as a substitute for his brother, Peter Forney) under Colonel Joseph McDowell.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 31, 1832, at which time he was living in Lincoln County, North Carolina, which was the section in which he was born and had always lived.

Abraham Forney died July 22, 1849, in Lincoln County, North Carolina.
In 1855 one Rachel Forney, aged eighty-seven years and a resident of Lincoln County, North Carolina, stated that she married Abraham Forney in 1803 in Lincoln County, North Carolina, and that her name before marriage was Rachel Gabriel.
On account of the Revolutionary War service of Abraham Forney, Warrant 28507 for 160 acres of bounty land was issued on May 28, 1856, in behalf of his widow, Rachel Forney.
In 1855 one Abraham Gabriel was living in Lincoln County, North Carolina, but his relation to Rachel was not given.
The papers in this claim contain no data relative to children of the soldier, Abraham Forney.
The Revolutionary War records of this office fail to afford any information in regard to a William Hunt who died in 1846 in Rutherford County, North Carolina.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator
The widow's pension was fraudulently obtained by John Roach under Act of 1848 which not provided for only those widows who married soldiers prior to 1794.
See Rev. chm. Peter Headrick, W. 11-2-88, for evidence as to character of Mr. Roach.
Correct name of widow is Rachel and last of Martha.
Apparently she was innocent of the fraudulent procedure, so data contained in the above letter was obtained from only those papers that
The widow's pension was fraudulently obtained by John Roach under Act of 1848 which not provided for only those widows who married soldiers prior to 1794. See Rev. chm. Peter Headrick, W. 11-2-88, for evidence as to character of Mr. Roach. Correct name of widow is Rachel and last of Martha. Apparently she was innocent of the fraudulent procedure, so data contained in the above letter was obtained from only those papers that  Ms. A. 9. 2. 24. 34

JRW
W.3976:Rev.War.
June 23, 1904.
Madam:
In reply to your inquiry, you are advised that Abraham Forney, residing in Lincoln county, N. C., aged seventy-four years, applied for pension October 31 1832, making the following statement of service in the North Carolina militia: Two months and eighteen days from June 2, 1776, as a private under Captain Johnston and Colonel Graham; two months from February, 1777, as a private under Captain James Reid and Colonel McLean; four months and ten days from June, 1780, as a private under Captain Raddridge and Colonel Graham; three months from January, 1781, as a private under Captain Settle; three months and seventeen days from March 25, 1781, as a sergeant under Captain Espey; two months from November, 1781, as a private under Captain Wier, and three months and twenty-seven days from June, 1782, as a Captain. He was in the battle of King's Mountain. His claim was allowed.
He married Martha Gabriel, February 29, 1788, in Lincoln county, North Carolina, and there died July 22, 1849. She was pensioned as his widow.
Very respectfully,
Miss Mary Forney,
Acting Commissioner.
Newton, N. C.

RALPH F. LOZIER SECOND MISSOURI DISTRICT
HOME ADDRESS: CARROLLTON, MISSOURI
Rev + 1812
COMMITTEES:
CENSUS, CHAIRMAN INSULAR AFFAIRS INVALID PENSIONS ELECTION OF PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, AND REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS
Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D. C., June 8 1934.
Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:-
Kindly send to me the Revolutionary Record of Abraham Forney (Fornay) of Lincoln County, North Carolina, who died at the age of 81 years.
Also please advise me as to the Revolutionary Record of William Hunt who died in 1846 in Rutherford County, North Carolina.
Yours very truly,
Ralph F. Lozier
Ralph F. Lozier, M. C.
RFL:Mc.

over
Newton N. Lee. June 8 th /04
Dear Sir.
Please send me by mail the "Application for a Pension" made by Abrami Forney, Maj of the Revolution- ary War 1777.
I am his great- grand daughter, and with the informa- tion he has given in his application, for the benefit

of the Daughters of the Revolution.
Thanking you in advance for the favor. I am very respect- fully,
Miss Mary Farney. Newton, Catawba Co. N.C.

1903-120109-B.
(Pension) (O & G)
7/17/03
IN REPLYING REFER TO THE ABOVE LETTER NUMBER.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
GENERAL LAND OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
July
16
, 1903.
J. H. Temple
ADDRESS ONLY THE COMMISSIONER OF THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE.
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions,
City.
Sir:
As a reply to your request of July 11, 1903, you are advised that our records do not show that any location has been made with warrant 28507-160 acres Act 1855- issued in favor of Rachel widow of Abraham Forney.
Respectfully,
J. H. Temple Acting Commissioner.
E.R.B.

28507-160-55
Rachel, widow of Abraham Forney, Bounty Land, July 11/18.
Sir:-
In response to your communication relative to the bounty land warrant issued to Rachel Forney, you are advised that the records of this Bureau show that a military bounty land warrant was issued to one Rachel Forney

3-279. (Old No. 3-526 b.)
S. E. DIVISION.
Reviewer, _____
_____ No. _____
Soldier, _____
Service, _____
_____
_____, 190__
To Chief Record Division:
Please have attached list verified, and give additional names, if any on file covering period of service.
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____ Chief of Division.

for service rendered by her husband, Abraham Forney in the Revolutionary war, but there is nothing to show that said warrant was returned to this Bureau.
A of call has this day been made upon the Commission of the General Land Office for additional information relative to the case and upon reply to same you will be further advised.

3-279. (Old No. 3-526 b.)
S. E. DIVISION.
Reviewer, _____
_____ No. _____
Soldier, _____
Service, _____
_____
_____, 190__
To Chief Record Division:
Please have attached list verified, and give additional names, if any on file covering period of service.
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____ Chief of Division.

Hon. W. W. Kitchin, House of Representatives

3-279. (Old No. 3-526 b.)
S. E. DIVISION.
Reviewer, _____
_____ No. _____
Soldier, _____
Service, _____
_____
_____
_____, 190____
To Chief Record Division:
Please have attached list verified, and give additional names, if any on file covering period of service.
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
Chief of Division.

ay
House of Representatives U. S.
Washington, D. C.,
Hon. Com. of Pensions City,
Dear Sir:
On May 28 th 1856 the Pension Department issued to Rachel Forney, widow of a revolutionary soldier, a land warrant for 160 acres of land - It was not delivered because Rachel died before it could be done" -
Mr. E. J. Forney, of Greensboro, N.C., writes the above to me. He is her direct descendant - He desires information as to how to proceed to get the warrant, or the land - Kindly send him what information you can - If your office can not furnish him the proper information, please refer this letter to the proper office - and oblige,
Ana July 11/03 G.
Yrs Truly, W. M. Ketchin, M.C. 5 th N.C. Vols.

COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT
TAUGHT TO MEET MODERN CONDITIONS
SHORTHAND, TYPEWRITING, BOOKKEEPING.
E. J. FORNEY.
EXPERT ACCOUNTING
FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC BOOKS OPENED AND CLOSED, ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS DEVISED, MANUFACTURING COST SYSTEMS INSTALLED, BOOKS AUDITED, ETC.
THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE, GREENSBORO, N. C.
June 20, 1903.
Pension Department, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
About ten days ago I wrote you a letter asking for certain information as to the validity of a land warrant issued in 1856 to my immediate ancestors.
May I not have a reply to my request?
Yours very truly,
E. J. Forney.

28,507-160-55.
Abraham Horney.

Rachel Forney Mia Rev. Soldier

COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT
TAUGHT TO MEET MODERN CONDITIONS
SHORTHAND, TYPEWRITING, BOOKKEEPING.
E. J. FORNEY.
EXPERT ACCOUNTING
FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC BOOKS OPENED AND CLOSED, ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS DEVISED, MANUFACTURING COST SYSTEMS INSTALLED, BOOKS AUDITED, ETC.
THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE, GREENSBORO, N. C.
June 4, 1903.
The Pension Department, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
On May 28th, 1856, a land Warrant was issued by the Pension Department to Rachel Forney, a widow of a Revolutionary soldier. Rachel Forney died a short time before the issuance of this warrant, and it was not delivered. I believe by an act of Congress these warrants were later legalized and became the property of the estate. The warrant above referred to is available to me, as I am the nearest of kin to Rachel Forney.
Please give me such facts as will enable me to act intelligently in this matter.
Respectfully,
E. J. Forney.

June 23, 1904, His 6 Miss Mary Forney Newton N.C.
1934 June 15. Hist. to Hon. Ralph T. Sozier U.S.
Recy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 3976
Martha Forney Wid.
Abraham Forney Capt. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 28/18
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 245
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Brief in the case of Martha Forney Lincoln County and State of North Carolina act 2 Feb 1848
Claim, (" original ," or " for increase .")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Duplicate certificate - issued in lieu of one dated 25 August 1851, which has been lost, or destroyed.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Wm P. Hymann
Name and residence of Agent
Charleston Springs N.C.
J. C. C. Examining Clerk.

W. P. Bynum
Oct. 17/87.

Pension Office. 163 17 th Oct. 1854.
Sir,
Yours (without date), relating to the claim of Martha Foiney widow of Abraham of South Carolina, has been received.
I find by the report of the Third Auditor that Martha has been paid her pension up to 4 th March 1853. If Mr Roach drew the money, he must have done so by a Power of Attorney from the widow. Did Martha authorize him to act in presenting evidence in her claim? Did she do so by Power of Attorney? Some of the papers in the case are in his hand writing. If Mrs Foiney desires you to act for her she should give you a Power of Attorney which you should file in this Office.
W. P. Bynum Esqr. Catawba Springs. Lincoln Co. N. C.

Martha Forney, paid to 4 March 1853
Relr J Wilson
Auditor

Pension Office.
2 o October 1854.
North Carolina Roll, } Act 2 o Feby. 1848. } $145.60 per annum. }
Martha Horny widow of Abraham.
To what time paid?
S. Cale for commissions,
R. J. Atkinson Esqr. Third Auditor.

M. P. Bynum
May 31/57/

Pension Office May 31 1884
Sir
The pension of Martha Forney widow of Abraham of S.C. was allowed, under the act of 2 d of Febry 1848, at $145.60 per annum, on the 25 th of August 1851, and certificate of Pension was sent to John Roach of Cotton Grove, Davidson County, N.C. The pension could not have been paid at the agency except upon a Power of Attorney.
W.P. Bynum Esq
Catawba Springs
Lincoln Co N.C.

Catumbia Springs, Lincoln Co. Me.
Hon. S.P. Waldo, Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir,
The certificate of pension obtained by John Roach of Dandem Co. Me. on 25 th August 1851, for Martha Farney, widow of Abraham Farney of Me. as you write me 31 st May, ult. I am instructed by Mrs Farney, was obtained fraudulently, as were others in the same neighborhood. Roach, I learn, has fled the country. If another application should be made by Roach in Mrs Farney's behalf, be pleased to bear in mind, this allegation, that the matter may be looked into. If the certificate was only up to Aug. 1851. Is she not entitled from that time to the present? She being still alive. If so, be so obliging as to send the usual forms or instructions for obtaining pensions & also land warrants for soldiers of 1812. I have been instructed to get some for my neighbors & am at a loss how to act.
With great respect
I am your old servt W.P. Bysum.

W. H. Bynum
Dec. 1/81

Revenue Office December 1, 1834
Sir,
I have this day issued a duplicate pension certificate to Martha Forney, widow of Abraham Forney, which will enable her to obtain the arrears due her from 4 March 1833, when she was last paid.
If former payments were made upon forged vouchers, application should be made to the Third Auditor of the Treasury, where the vouchers are filed.
Wm P. Bynum, Esq. Catawba Springs N.C.
Res.

Catawba Springs, Lincoln Co N.C.
Hon. L.P. Waldo, Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir: Abram Forney, of Lincoln County North Carolina, an officer of the Revolutionary war, drew a pension from your Department & died, I think, in 1849 or 50. His wife, Rachel Forney, is entitled to a continuance of the pension, under the act of Congress. It has been represented that her pension has been drawn under fraudulent powers of attorney. Will you oblige by informing me whether the pension claimed by Rachael Forney, wife of Abram Forney decd. has been established & drawn when, by whom & by what powers. & oblige
Respectfully yours W. P. Bynum.
I refer you to How B. Craige } " T. L. Klingman. } M c g t 1.6. " A. Dockery. }
Addrs. Catawba Springs, Lincoln Co N.C.

Catumba Springs Mo. Nov 10 th 1854.
Hon. L.P. Waldo;
Sir; Yours of Oct 17 th instructed me to file a power of attorney, authorizing me to act for Mrs Forney, widow of Abram Forney decease. I herewith enclose the Power. Mrs Forney informs me that she authorized John Roach to present evidence to the Department & successor to get her pension allowed, but did not give him a power to collect the money. It can be satisfactorily proved, that no such power was ever given him .
Mrs. Forney is upwards of 80. If a fraudulent Power is proved, can she get from your department, a re-allowance of pension? If so, what proof is necessary?
If she cannot get a reallowance, can she get her pension continued from last payt March 4 th 1853, by proof that she is still alive, identity &c? Or will she be put to proof de novo ? If she at present files proof for continuance of pension from 4 th March 1853, the time of last payment to Roach, will it preclude her from prosecuting hereafter, her claim to the pension fraudulently obtained by John Roach?
Early attention is respectfully solicited.
I am respectfully,

your Obedient Servant
William P. Bynum.
Hon. L. P. Waldo.
Hon. L. P. Waldo.
Adams Aug 83 in 1850

State of North Carolina Lincoln County
Personally appeared before me the subscribing Justice of the peace in and for the County of Lincoln, John D. Abernathy who being duly sworn according to Law deposeth & saith, that he well recollects of serving as a private soldier in the Cherokee Expedition in the summer of fall of the year 1782, in Capt. Abraham Forney's Company - This deponent further states, that he believes that the said Abraham Forney was regularly appointed to said Office and as such was entitled to the pay of a Captain of Mounted Riflemen -
John D. Abernathy
Sworn to subscribed before
on this 10 day of May 1833.
Nathl Edwards J.P.
I do hereby Certify that John D. Abernathy who has sworn to subscribed the above affidavit is entitled to full credit & relief.
Nathl Edwards J.P.
to the above affidavit is entitled to full credit
John D. Abernathy
State of North Carolina
Lincoln County
I Vardry McBee Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions in the State & County aforesaid Certify that Nathaniel Edwards & John D. Abernathy before whom the foregoing affidavits were made & who attested the same likewise made the annexed Certificate that in acting Justices of the Peace in and for said County, duly sworn & commissioned & that their several attestations are entitled to all due faith & credit as such. In testimony whereof I have set my hand & seal of office at Lincolnton the 14 th day of May 1833
Vardry McBee Clerk

State of North Carolina } Personally appeared Lincoln County } before me John O'Neal one of the Justices of the peace for said County William Hager sent & being duly sworn the deponent saith that he served a tour in Cherokee expedition the in what year he cannot recollect & that William Hager was his commanding Captain & served as such. He further saith said William Hager Company were mounted Riflemen Suborn to & subscribed William Hager May 11 th 1833 Ft. Tom Pkins H
I do certify that W m Hager sent who has sworn to & subscribed the above affidavit is enti- tled to full credit John O'Neal J.P.
State of North Carolina Lincoln County I Vandy M c Bean Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions in the State & County of aforesaid certify that Nathaniel Edwards & John & King Esq rs before whom the foregoing affidavits were made & who attested the same & likewise made the annexed Certificate that in acting Justices of the Peace in & for said County, duly sworn & sworn to & that their official attestations are entitled to all due faith & credit as such. In testimony whereof I have set my hand & seal of office at Lincoln the 14 th day of May 1833 Vandy M c Bean Clerk

18305
Declaration of
Abraham Forney
for a
Pension under the act of Congress June 7. 1832
Militia

North Carolina 8 Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions Lincoln County 8 October Session 1832
on this 1 st day of Nov 1832 Peter Forney came into open Court & made oaths that he has heard the annexed declaration of Abraham Forney his brother, that he served with him nearly all the time therein stated and knows that said Abraham did serve as a revolutionary soldier as stated in the army of the United States
Sworn to & subscribed
the date above stated.
John Vandivell Beck Clerk Peter Forney for said Court — " —
We of the above came into open Court & made oaths that he is well acquainted with Abraham Forney who has signed this declaration, & that he deponent several times in the town to the Cherokee nation in the year 1782, & having heard his declaration, believe he was in that expedition although I did not then know him at that time
Sworn to in open John Vandivell Beck Clerk of said Court
Moses Moore
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier as he states.
I, John Vandivell Beck Clerk of the County Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abraham Forney for a pension — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 4 th day of Nov 1832
Vandivell M. Beck

Martha Forney wid of Abraham N. Co.
Aet 2 Feby '48.
$145. 60¢ per An. commencing 22 d July 1849 when her husband died.
Beit to John Roach, Cotton Grove Davidson Co N.C.

Brief in the case of Martha Forney, widow of Abraham County and State of North Carolina. act 2 nd Feby 1848.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under an Act 7 June 1832 at $145.60 p.
Proof of Marriage; Recds.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent.
John Roach Cotton Grove, Davidson Co N.C.
F. F. Kirby Examining Clerk.

Marriage

State of North Carolina Yates County B. S.
In this 9 th day of May 1851.
Personally appeared before me the Under assigned one of the existing Justices of the Peace in & for the aforesaid County & State, Alexander McRorke a Resident Citizen of the State & County aforesaid aged 89 - , years, who after being first sworn in due form of law, doth on his oath make the following Statements. That he was personally Present & an Eye- Witness to the Marriage of Abraham Forney & Martha Gabriel That they were Married in Lincoln County, South Carolina the day and date not recollected. That he has been intima- tely acquainted with Abraham Forney & with Martha his Wife now his widow, from the time of such marriage to the time of said Abraham Forney's death, & that he died in the County of Lincoln State of North Carolina on the day of July (1849) That he was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $125- 00 Cents per annum the latter who is now his widow & who is applying for a Pension now due her, on account of the Revolutionary service, and the death of her Husband the aforesaid Abra- ham Forney dec d . This deponent further states on his aforesaid oath, that this Application Martha Forney as above stated is the same identical Person that Abraham Forney the Pensioner as above named was married to as above stated, & that the afo- resaid Parties lived together as husband & wife from the time of their marriage to the day of his death as is also here set forth. And that she Martha Forney is now

is now living and remains the widow of the aforesaid Abraham Forney decd
Sworn to and subscribed this 9 th day of May 1851 before me. Henry W. Worth 
J. P. Johnson
State of North Carolina
Catawba County S.S.
And the aforesaid Magistrate do hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with Alexander McCorkle who has this day appeared before me, sworn to & subscribed the foregoing Certificate is a Citizen of Catawba County State of North Carolina & he is a person of veracity to whose oath is due full faith & Credit Given under my hand & seal the day & year aforesaid.
J. P. Johnson

State of Wisconsin Catawba County ss I, Mrs. Sefer Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for said County, do hereby certify that J. J. Sheppard, whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate is and was an acting Magistrate at the time of signing the same and that his official acts as such is entitled to full faith and credit at all times
In testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at office in Newton This 9 day of May 1837 Mrs. Sefer Clerk

Cotton Grove Davidson Co. N.C.
May the 19 th 1851.
Sir,
In obedience to the order of Mr. F. S. Evans to me of the 18 th of January last, who at that time appeared to be acting Commissioner of Pensions. His letter say, "it must be clearly shown that Martha Honey is the identical Person, named in the marriage certificate setting forth the marriage of Abraham Honey to Martha now his widow, which was accompanied with the Declaration of Martha Honey for a Pension,
I have inclosed the Certificate of Col d Alexander McCoakle which I am of opinion will be sufficient to make satisfaction, I would be thankfull to your Honours to furnish me with an answer to the case as soon as your other business will admit.
Respectfully Your Obed t Serv t John Roach
J. C. Heath Esq r Commissioner of Pensions W. C. D. C.

Col H c Edwards Esq r Commissioner of Pensions W. C. D. C.

Wotton from Davidson Co. N.C. Septm 15 th 1850.
Sir,
Enclosed for Your Honor, inspection, when they come to term, the Declaration, & Marriage Bond, or its Copy, of Martha Forney widow of Abram Forney deceased.
wishing to hear from them with other of my Cases as soon as they can be acted on.
Is it not nearly the time that I should know something of Jennie Whites, Barbara Hedrick, Eve Bazzell & the Arrears of Mary Gordon & Mary Smith, I am quite anxious to hear from those Claims.
Respectfully I have the Honor to be Your Obedt Servt
John Roach
Col S c Edward Ely, Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Death

Pension Office, Aug t 22. 1851.
Abraham Forney, N. 6. act 7 June 1832, $145.60 ¢ per Ann. To what time paid? F. F. Kirby
Died 22 d July 1849.
P t to his death. B. B. B.

See volume

Leaven Office
Feb 23, 1835
The clerk of Hon B. Cragg, M.P., called with vouchers, this day, for obtaining from the Treasury a money for Rachel Horney widow of Abraham Horney — This case is believed to be fraudulent — that the real name of the person is Rachel & not Martha

See Wm Cole. About this case, he wrote to President of the Clam Shell Co. Auditor that Clam was passed upon fraudulent Paper, in the name of Mother. Mr. Bynum now writes, I ask, how to proceed to get the pen, in the name of Rachel, says she was married in 1803, I never rec d any of the money, the fraud she was not cognizant of. Feb 21/56 V. B. H. W.

136186
Hon S. P. Waldo. Conr Penna Washington City
Hootee

Cataska Springs May 11 th 1855.
Hon. L. P. Waldo.
Sir, I enclose Mrs. Rachael Forney's Application for a land Warrant. My Abraham Forney, her husband, drew a pension for many years till his death; I do not know & cannot ascertain when it began. I suppose, however, it can be referred to in the department without difficulty.
Mrs R. Forney is the same person for whom I applied for a continuation of her husband's pension. The pension was fraudulently obtained in the name of Martha Forney, by John Roach of Vanderbu Co. Mo. & none of the money ever reached her. I wrote you that the pension was obtained by fraud & without the authority of Rachael Forney. You sent me a duplicate certificate of pension under the belief that it was fairly obtained & that she might get the arrearages; but when I applied in the name of Rachael , the pension was suspended because of fraud in Roach. I am really ignorant what came to pension. Forney was a distinguished & most meritorious officer as is universally known in this country. His wife, all equally well

know is entitled to pension under existing laws.
Can I obtain her pension by applying de novo ?
Roach got the pension under the Act of 1848 but she, it appears was not married till 1803 & was entitled only under the Act of 1853. The pension was given to Martha & her real name is Rebecca .
I do not make it a part of my business to apply for pensions; but Mrs. Farns, is a neighbor & as matters now stand, she is laboring under a great grievance without fault on her part.
It would be an act of charity if you would inform us of the correct mode of proceeding, tho' it does not come in the strict line of your duty.
I am most respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
C. P. Byrum
Catumba Springs.
Lincoln Co. N.C.

B2-136156-ae
N o 14-221.
Martha Forney wid: of Abraham Forney
Act July 7 th 1838
Letter to John Roach. Cotton Grove. Davidson Co. N.C.
Jan 18: 1857 -
3 rd and 4 th 1857

2
28.507
J. Who Am I

   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Vol In 1781 not stated As a Private Genl Green   not stated " Capt Little   about 3. 16 Sergeant Capt Henderson, Genl Dan. Armstrong   Vol Sub 1782 about 2 Private Capt Cozey, Genl Th. Polk, Col Dudley, Col Marshall, Capt Lock   about 3 27 Captain Capt McIver, Capt Mc Gee, Capt Loftin, Col Mc Dowell, Genl Charles Mc Dowell  
5. In what battles was he engaged?
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Forney, Dennis GRADE Private LINE Connecticut
WARRANT NUMBER 5794 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Dec. 24, 1796 to — not shown —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.